Association of Nutritional Status and Other Related Factors on the COVID-19 Incidence Rate Among Healthcare Workers

Date

8-2022

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Aiza Kris M. Bernardo

Abstract

COVID-19 has affected the world for over two years now, causing economic crises and threats to human life, including malnutrition, and disease risk. Pressure is placed on the healthcare system, but due to insufficient funding and manpower, service is not guaranteed and HCWs are stressed and burnout leading to malnutrition and increased disease risk. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge on HCWs rotating in the COVID-19 ward, their nutritional status, and its association with COVID-19 incidence among the participant HCWs. Other variables also observed for association include the contributing variables, sleep and meal patterns, and controlled comorbidities, and moderating variables, level PPE used and occupation. A retrospective cohort study design was used to determine outcomes that have occurred within 6 months. Non-probability sampling technique was used, and out of 59 responses gathered, only 38 fit the criteria. Data was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-Square Test of Independence with α=0.05 to determine the associations. Majority, 57.9%, had normal nutritional status, but the incidence was 78.9%. Thus, no association between incidence and nutritional status was established, showing normal BMI does not decrease disease risk. The same is true with occupation, thus any work and level of exposure are at risk, and should be provided level 4 PPE. Only sleeping patterns, meal patterns, controlled comorbidities, and level of PPE used, are associated with COVID-19 incidence among HCWs. It is recommended that the hospital give importance on the need for updated protocols during COVID-19 ward duty, which include but are not limited to excluding all HCWs with comorbidities, both controlled and uncontrolled, promoting the need for at least 7 hours of sleep daily, providing 3 adequate meals daily along with resources for proper hydration and snacking in between duties, and providing level 4 PPEs for all HCWs.

Language

English

LC Subject

BMI, Comorbidities, COVID-19 Exposure, COVID-19 Incidence Rate, Healthcare Workers, Meal Patterns, PPE level, Sleep Patterns

Location

UPLB College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Document Type

Thesis

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